| Berean Study Bible | New International Version |
| 1You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | 1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. |
| 2And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well. | 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. |
| 3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. | 3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
| 4A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. | 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. |
| 5Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. | 5Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules. |
| 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops. | 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. |
| 7Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things. | 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. |
| 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, | 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, |
| 9for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! | 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. |
| 10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. | 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. |
| 11This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; | 11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; |
| 12if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; | 12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; |
| 13if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. | 13if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. |
| 14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. | 14Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. |
| 15Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. | 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. |
| 16But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, | 16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. |
| 17and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, | 17Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, |
| 18who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some. | 18who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. |
| 19Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.” | 19Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." |
| 20A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. | 20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. |
| 21So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. | 21Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. |
| 22Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. | 22Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. |
| 23But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. | 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. |
| 24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. | 24And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. |
| 25He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. | 25Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, |
| 26Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will. | 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. |
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